1st tropical storm of eastern Pacific season forms

Associated PressWednesday, May 15, 2013

MIAMI — Forecasters say the first tropical storm of the eastern Pacific hurricane season is strengthening off the coast of Mexico.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says Tropical Storm Alvin formed Wednesday. As of 11 p.m. Eastern time, it had maximum sustained winds of about 45 mph and was moving west-northwest at 12 mph.

Alvin could become a hurricane in several days. It isn't currently a threat to land.

The eastern and north Pacific season began Wednesday and runs through Nov. 30.

The National Hurricane Center says there is typically an average of 15 named storms each season, with four of those considered major hurricanes reaching at least Category 3 strength with top sustained winds of 111 mph.